Stopped by today for a meat and cheese pie ($3.25 taxes included) and it was excellent.
So I've had my share of meat pies and the ones here taste a bit different than the usual Lebanese meat pies I've had in the city. They taste to me like there's an African twist with regards to the spices. Unfortunately, I can't make out what the spices are, but I know I've had them in African cuisine.
The crust was thin and crunchy on the outside, but not overly crunchy. The amount of meat and cheese were good. The meat tastes a little less lean to me than at other places, or maybe the cheese is more rich, it's hard to tell, but it was a fattier meat and cheese pie for sure, lol (-1 star in my books, but maybe not in yours, probably +1 star in my mom's books. She loves fatty foods, haha - Hi mom, I know you read my reviews :))
Now what I noticed and really liked was that the person handling my food wore gloves. And it was a different person working the cash register. Thank you Lili Pies for this! At most meat pie places in the city, no one wears gloves and food handlers handle money :(
The place is small and mostly for takeout. There's minimal bar seating along the wall and along the front window. Everything looks clean and staff were nice. They sell drinks too (non-alcoholic). There are no washrooms.
Being in Little Italy, it's street parking only, which is a real pain. And during lunch time you will likely have to feed the meter (which adds to the cost of a cheap lunch), unless you're lucky enough to find a free spot. I can't fault the shop for this, but it does mean I will likely frequent this place less than a place with a free parking lot attached.
Lili Pies is a great addition to the neighbourhood. I hope they do well :) read more